Short Breaks Service
A story by Dundee Carers Centre
We provide grants directly to carers who live in Dundee.
What Short Breaks Service did
The application continues to be a simplified process that is designed to attract as many referrals as possible, we continue to ask the very basic information about a carer and let the brokerage process identify a carers needs and design the appropriate short break.
The brokerage process largely negates the need for a short breaks panel but in the event of an extraordinary request we will consult with the local authority to discuss the application further.
We have begun an advertising campaign on social media which is proving to be very cost effective and attracting a large amount of referrals. We also continue to market the service around a range of carers' groups as well as health and social care partners.
After the initial brokerage conversation, the carer identified that they would really enjoy some therapy vouchers, this would allow the carer to feel pampered, less stressed, less tired and be able to sleep better. The carer also discussed hobbies that they used to enjoy, it was agreed that the carer would look into this further within the next few weeks.
The Short Breaks teams looked at funding sources and awarded the carer with the vouchers for massages. The carer was also awarded funding to pursue their hobby.
To give the carer some “me time”, it was decided that a coffee shop voucher and yearly subscription for a magazine would provide some space to re-focus on their caring role. As part of the One Stop Shop within Dundee Carers Centre, this carer was signposted to Welfare Rights for a benefit check, Adult Support Team for 1-1 support and also referred for Counselling.
The Carer has since reported that they were delighted with the service from the Short Breaks Team, feeling more valued as a Carer and overjoyed with the funding to pursue a break. The carer reported feeling more confident to look at future planning and more able to speak to the school and professionals.
A joint home visit with CMHT took place and the brokerage conversation identified that a short holiday away from the home would be of great benefit to the family. This would give everyone time to bond again, get some proper sleep and have some fun, the main outcome was to create some positive memories. The Broker worked with the carer to identify what the break could look like, it was then decided that a city break with lots of activities for children would be the best outcome.
The Short Breaks Team sourced hotel deals and children’s activities in the city. They were booked and paid for with the funding, an itinerary was created and discussed with the carer. The carer reported that the holiday had been fantastic, the family felt refreshed, calmer and a positive increase in the health and wellbeing of the carer and cared for. Coming home to find nothing drastic had taken place, truly made the holiday memorable.
The carer and his wife had had a short break at Homelands in Lundin Links in the past and thought it was a very relaxing break, they would like to go there again. the carer felt that a few days away from the day to day routine and their normal surroundings could make a big difference. The support broker spoke to Mrs Malcolm’s Social Worker who agreed that she could arrange personal care for Mrs Malcolm while they were staying in Lundin Links a replacement for the care they have in Dundee.
The carer was awarded a grant for £300 and paid a contribution of £60. The Short Breaks Team booked a 4 night break for them in October.
Carers Quote, We had a marvellous holiday – brilliant.
What Dundee Carers Centre has learned
The fund allows us to provide the same short break opportunities to young carers as it does to adult carers. The team are now bedding in and becoming more experienced in the delivery of short breaks and as a result we are beginning to access a wide range of funding streams to ensure that we can provide short breaks to as many carers as possible.We continue to employ a range of marketing strategies to attract new carers including radio adverts, social media platforms, local magazines, information stalls as well as having a high profile with health & social care services.